Well Beyond 40

Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva Meditation and author of the recently released book, Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance. After struggling with insomnia and illness while performing on Broadway, Emily experienced the healing power of meditation firsthand. Listen as Emily explains the top benefits of meditation, including how it can help reduce stress, fight insomnia, and improve your health. Emily also shares the most common obstacles to regular meditation and how to overcome them, as well as how to get started with your meditation practice. Find out how to incorporate meditation into your busy life so you can recharge your batteries and increase your productivity levels!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Emily Fletcher’s free Stress Less guided meditation by going to JJVirgin.com/stressless.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Stress is making us stupid, sick, and slow! Meditation can help reduce your stress levels so that you can feel better and enjoy your life again. Being too busy is the number one obstacle to starting a meditation practice. However, most of us don't understand what stress is costing us in the productivity department until our stress goes away. Ziva Meditation is designed for those who want to be better tomorrow than they are today. In her new book, Emily walks you through how to incorporate meditation into your modern life.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:25] Emily Fletcher’s career briefing [2:39] Listener shout-out [4:30] How Emily became a meditation guru [7:45] Why people come to meditation [8:40] “Selfish reasons” for meditating [9:45] Can you learn to meditate by reading a book? [11:15] The number one obstacle to starting a meditation practice [13:09] Who stands to benefit the most from meditation? [14:01] How much time do you need to invest at the beginning? [15:30] When it comes to sleep, quality matters. [16:31] Ziva Meditation has a 90% success rate with insomnia. [17:25] Ziva meditators report a reduction in IBS symptoms. [18:04] Emily’s jet lag hack [19:01] The inspiration behind Emily’s book [20:26] If you want to lose weight even faster, here’s the two-word secret: Extra Fiber! [21:20] Listener’s question: Why is stress such a big deal? [22:12] How chronic stress wreaks havoc on your body   Mentioned in this episode: Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance, by Emily Fletcher Transforming through Meditation podcast episode JJ Virgin Extra Fiber The Virgin Diet Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A strong immune system is key to staying healthy! In this episode, JJ shares her top immune-boosting tips so you can fight off those pesky cold and flu germs and maintain your energy levels. Listen as JJ explains how optimizing your vitamin D levels and lowering your sugar impact can help strengthen your immune system, as well as why reducing stress and getting plenty of sleep is crucial to defending against infection. JJ also reveals the foods and supplements you should be including in your routine to improve your immune function, plus how the wrong kind of exercise can wreak havoc on your immune health. Find out how to protect yourself from illness so you can feel your very best!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Top 7 Immune-Boosting Tips guide by going to www.jjvirgin.com\immuneboost.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Optimizing your vitamin D levels is key to a strong immune system. It’s no coincidence that rates of illness rise during the winter, when many people struggle to get the sun exposure they need to make adequate vitamin D. Lowering your sugar impact is crucial to staying healthy. That’s because sugar competes with vitamin C to enter your cells, which can lower your immunity. Your gut microbiome plays a major role in your immune function. A great way to strengthen your gut microbiome is to include plenty of fiber in your diet.   Episode Play-By-Play [:53] Episode briefing [1:21] Listener shout-out [4:10] Optimize your vitamin D levels [4:52] Why you should take vitamin D with vitamin K [5:37] How to test your vitamin D levels [6:20] Getting good sleep is key. [6:59] JJ’s nighttime routine [8:10] The wrong type of exercise can lower immunity.  [9:22] Make your exercise count. [9:50] Sugar competes with vitamin C to enter your cells. [10:35] Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system. [11:17] Take care of your gut! [11:54] The importance of fiber in gut health [12:45] The right nutrients can help reduce inflammation and improve your immune system. [13:12] Eat from the rainbow to get a variety of antioxidants in your diet. [13:26] Baseline supplements for maintaining a healthy immune system [14:45] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for your day. The perfect and easiest way to do that is with JJ’s All-In-One Paleo-Inspired Protein Shake!  [15:28] Listener’s question: How much vitamin D should I take? [16:49] Ideally, you should test your levels with a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test.   Mentioned in this episode: Vitamin D Plus Sleep Candy Daily Essentials Packets Microbiome Balance Link to Ziva Meditation with Emily Fletcher JJ’s Paleo -Inspired All-In-One Shake Extra Fiber Direct-to-Consumer testing: 25-hydroxy vitamin D test Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Hyatt is a master certified life coach, author, and weight loss expert. After losing 35 pounds herself and going from couch potato to fitness lover, she became inspired to help other women transform their bodies and achieve their dreams and goals. Listen as Susan shares why loving your body is key to weight loss success and how her BARE method can help you make lasting lifestyle changes. Susan also explains how your wardrobe can affect your weight and why she empowers women to advocate for themselves and "make a scene." Plus, Susan reveals the secret to sustainable exercise, as well as the amazing freebie she's giving away that's valued at $500!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get a free seat at Susan Hyatt’s Let’s Get Bare online class, as well as a downloadable workbook by going to jjvirgin.com/bare.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Susan's passion is to help women love the skin that they're in, while also learning how to take exceptional care of themselves. That's why she developed the BARE process. Can your wardrobe really affect your weight? Susan answers this question and explains why you should only keep the clothing that sparks joy. Susan teaches women how to advocate for themselves and others. For many of her clients, when they feel empowered to make a scene, that late-night chocolate cake seems much less enticing.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:25] Susan Hyatt´s career briefing [2:36] Listener shout-out [3:45] How Susan became a life coach and weight loss expert   [5:04] Susan’s shocking discovery about dieting and weight loss [5:58] Unlocking the secret to sustainable exercise [8:19] Moving beyond exercising for results  [11:02] Find what you love. [11:48] Can your wardrobe really affect your weight? [14:50] Keep the clothes that spark joy. [16:22] Teaching women how to make a scene [19:14] In which areas of your life do you need to be more vocal? [20:33] The little things can make a big impact.   [21:59] One of Susan’s favorite guiding questions: What feels like love? [22:58] Get Susan’s amazing free gift. [23:54] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day. That’s why JJ created All-In-One Shakes to start your day out right! [24:35] Listener’s question: I know I should exercise, but I just don’t want to. How do I get myself to do it? [25:05] Figure out your “big why.” [25: 54] Put strategies in place to make it happen. [27:13] Monitor your progress – what you measure you can improve.   Mentioned in this episode: JJ Virgin All-In-One Shakes Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast episode, JJ is here to debunk the myth that fruit is a free food! Listen as JJ breaks down the types of sugar in fruit and explains how excess fructose can contribute to belly, inflammation, and weight loss resistance. JJ also explains how to figure out how much fruit is right for you, as well as the best kinds of fruit to eat and the forms of fruit to avoid. Plus, JJ reveals how to reap the rewards of resistant starch in green bananas. You don't want to miss it!    Main Points From Today’s Episode Fructose is a sugar found in fruit. Fructose goes straight to your liver, where excess fructose gets converted into fat. Dried fruit is like candy and fruit juice is like soda. It's best to eat whole fruit so you get the many benefits of fiber. Green bananas are a good source of resistant starch. Resistant starch helps boost fat burning, balance blood sugar levels, and increases satiety.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:38] Episode briefing [1:50] Listener shout-out [6:25] Why fruit is not a free food [8:08] The types of sugar in fruit [8:44] Issues with fructose [9:58] When to avoid fruit [11:20] It’s important to eat whole fruit. [12:29] The fiber in whole fruit tempers your blood sugar response. [12:43] The problems with dried fruit, jam, and fruit juice [13:33] Eat from the rainbow of fruits to get a variety of phytonutrients. [13:55] Be careful with yogurt that contains added fruit. [14:31] As fruit ripens, it gets sweeter. [15:14] The benefits of resistant starch in green bananas [17:20] Sugar is hiding everywhere! Find out which sugars to choose and which to lose in the Sugar Impact Diet. [18:05] Eat seasonal, local, organic foods. [19:00] Why JJ is a fan of frozen fruit [19:31] Which fruits and veggies should you buy organic?   Mentioned in this episode: Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake Sugar Impact Diet Mindshare Summit EWG's Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce JJ’s Leaky Gut Support Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube   Banana-Berry Resistant Starch Smoothie Makes 1 Serving   2 scoops JJ Virgin All-In-One Protein Shake powder, your choice of flavor and protein type 1 small frozen green banana, peeled and broken into chunks before freezing 1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries 1/2 small avocado, peeled and pitted 2 Tbsp gluten-free rolled oats 10 oz. unsweetened vanilla coconut milk or vanilla almond milk   Blend all ingredients together until smooth. You can add ice cubes to thicken your shake or cold filtered water to make thinner. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Wathen is a food addiction counselor and health, life, and weight loss coach. In today's podcast episode, she answers the age-old question that many of us have often asked: Why can't I stick to my diet? Listen as Erin explains how your emotions can impact your food and your choices, as well as why so many folks turn to sugar in times of stress. Erin also shares her top strategies for overcoming emotional eating and getting back on track after an obstacle, including practicing awareness, getting good sleep, and fueling your body with the right nutrition. Find out how to build healthy eating habits and achieve your weight loss goals for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Erin Wathen’s free Exercise Tips Cheat Sheet by going to JJVirgin.com/wathenwellness.   Main Points From Today’s Episode All too often, emotions and food are intertwined. Food is meant to fuel your body, not your soul. When it comes to making healthy eating choices, awareness is key. Erin asks her clients to do a check-in before they eat to reflect on whether they're physically hungry and what's emotionally going on. If you have to choose between working out and getting a good night’s sleep, opt for sleep! Sleep helps regulate your appetite and balance chemicals in your brain so you can make better decisions.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:43] Erin Wathen’s career briefing [2:32] Listener shout-out [4:05] How emotions can impact your weight and your choices [6:52] Awareness is key when it comes to making healthy eating choices. [8:55] How Erin became interested in health and wellness [11:30] Erin’s top strategies to overcome emotional eating [12:18] Food is meant to fuel your body, not your soul. [13:49] Why do people turn to sugar in times of stress?  [15:27] How to get back on track after an obstacle [16:45] Beating yourself up doesn’t help. [17:15] Areas of confusion around weight loss [19:10] The importance of sleep in maintaining and losing weight [21:29] Erin’s top tips on exercise [23:05] The true cause of weight gain is not calories, it’s food intolerance. Discover the sneaky 7 foods in The Virgin Diet! [23:45] Listener’s question: I have terrible sugar cravings. What should I do? [25:11] Stress can deplete serotonin and make you crave sugar.   Mentioned in this episode:  JJ Virgin Lifestyle Show podcast The Virgin Diet Free ebook on Tapping Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience, by JJ Virgin Xiser You Are What You Think: The Link Between Mindset and Weight Loss Adrenotone (Stress Supplement) from Designs for Health (Save 20% on your first purchase by entering the code 20DFH2018 at checkout) Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast episode, JJ deep dives into one of the topics she gets asked about often: how to crush sugar cravings! Listen as JJ explains why it's key to discover the reason for your cravings so you can ditch them once and for all. JJ also shares the most common causes of sugar cravings, including how your gut microbiome, genetics, blood sugar issues, and stress and anxiety levels can all play a role. Plus, JJ reveals her top tips and swaps for curbing cravings so your appetite never controls your life!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Lemon-Aid recipe by going to JJVirgin.com/sugarcravings.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Exposure equals preference. The more sweet you eat, the more you want! If you have insulin resistance or other blood sugar issues, you’re not able to access stored sugar in your body. That can lead to increased hunger and cravings. JJ’s Lemon-Aid recipe is an amazing ally for crushing cravings. The sour taste of lemon can quiet your appetite, while the fiber can help you feel full and satisfied between meals.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:17] JJ’s Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program is in the works! [2:15] Listener shout-out [4:03] Deconstructing sugar cravings [4:55] How genetics play a role in cravings [7:27] The more sweet you eat, the more you want. [7:53] How an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to cravings [9:25] JJ’s cravings story [12:30] Anxiety and stress can trigger cravings. [13:50] One of the classic signs of food intolerance is to crave the very food that’s hurting you. [14:03] All carbohydrates except for fiber turn to sugar. [15:01] If you have issues with insulin resistance, you’re not able to access stored sugar in your body. [16:57] Each meal should include clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. [17:23] JJ’s Lemon-Aid recipe is an amazing ally for crushing cravings. [18:30] The goal is to transition to being a fat burner. [19:43] If you’re struggling with gas and bloating, food intolerances, or any other digestive unrest, try Leaky Gut Support! [20:15] Listener’s question: I just use a little Splenda in my coffee every morning. Is that okay? [22:19] Artificial sweeteners can create caloric dysregulation. [22:52] Studies show that artificial sweeteners can affect your gut microbiome. [23:40] Healthy sweetener options   Mentioned in this episode: Free tapping ebook Ziva Meditation Safety Net JJ's Lemon-Aid recipe Sleep Candy Sugar Impact Diet Leaky Gut Support Virgin Sprinkles JJ's podcast with the founder of KNOW Foods   Documentary: You Are Stronger Than You Think JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mark Menolascino is the medical director of the Meno Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and has over 25 years of healthcare experience. In today's podcast episode, he talks with JJ about a topic that deserves much more attention: heart disease in women! Listen as Dr. Menolascino explains why cardiovascular disease in females is under-addressed in mainstream medicine and how his approach differs from that of conventional healthcare providers. Dr. Menolascino also shares the most important tests you should be asking for to help identify your level of risk, as well as his top tips on how to choose the best eating plan for your heart health. His new book, Heart Solution for Women, provides a comprehensive approach to preventing and reversing heart disease!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Mark Menolascino’s free Heart Solution webinar by going to JJVirgin.com/heartsolution.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined. Results from the Women's Health Initiative showed that cholesterol drugs don't benefit women at all when it comes to stroke prevention. In addition, the study found that the risk of getting type 2 diabetes from taking cholesterol medication was over 50% in post-menopausal women. Dr. Menolascino's book, Heart Solution for Women, provides a proven approach to preventing and reversing heart disease. Dr. Menolascino believes it's important to personalize diagnostic strategies and treatment therapies for women.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:34] Dr. Mark Menolascino’s career briefing [4:21] How Dr. Menolascino become an expert in heart disease [5:15] Why doesn’t heart disease in women get the attention it deserves? [6:15] Results from the Women’s Health Initiative [7:20] How is Dr. Menolascino’s approach different than that of conventional medicine? [8:05] Dr. Menolascino recommends starting with the right blood tests. [8:56] Why stress tests should also be done with imaging [9:37] What is a Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test? [10:20] The symphony of female hormones [11:15] It’s key to find a doctor who knows how to look at you as an individual. [13:20] How to choose the best eating plan to prevent and reverse heart disease [15:50] Figuring out which foods are inflammatory for you [17:36] The importance of community [18:45] The future of medicine for women [20:37] For most chronic illnesses, the acute-care model doesn’t work very well. [22:35] Ready to lose fat fast and keep it off forever? Discover the number one resource for fast and lasting fat loss by visiting jjvirgin.com! [23:12] Listener shout-out [26:19] Listener’s question: I’ve been told that if I don’t get my LDL cholesterol down, I’m going to need to start taking a statin drug. What should I do?   Mentioned in this episode: Heart Solution for Women: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Dr. Mark Menolascino JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Find a Practitioner tool Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast episode, JJ debunks a recent CNN article that came out claiming a gluten-free diet isn't healthy for everyone. Listen as JJ explains the truth about gluten and leaky gut, including how gluten consumption can cause intestinal permeability in all individuals, which can then put you at risk for autoimmune disease. JJ also clears up the confusion about going gluten-free and shares her top tips on how to create balanced gluten-free meals. Find out why eating gluten-free is not only beneficial for everyone, it’s essential to protecting your health!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Going Gluten-Free Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/glutenrant.   Main Points From Today’s Episode CNN claims that not everyone benefits from going gluten-free. In fact, studies show that gluten consumption causes intestinal permeability in ALL individuals, regardless of whether or not they have celiac disease. When JJ first started looking at food sensitivity testing, she noticed about 40% of the people were showing some type of gluten intolerance. Since then, she has helped hundreds of thousands of people feel better by eliminating gluten from their diet. When you eat gluten, you put yourself at risk for leaky gut, which has been proven to cause autoimmune disease. Not only is eating gluten-free advantageous for everyone, it’s essential to protecting your health!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:22] The inspiration behind today’s podcast episode [1:52] Listener shout-out [3:50] A recent CNN article claims that not everyone benefits from going gluten-free. [4:10] Studies show that gluten consumption causes intestinal permeability in all individuals. [5:45] Diagnosing celiac disease [7:20] One of JJ’s client’s experiences with removing gluten from her diet [8:30] The discomforts that gluten can cause [9:05] Eliminating gluten doesn’t put you at risk for nutrient deficiencies if you’re eating a healthy diet. [10:25] Gluten-free junk food is never a healthy option. [11:25] Cutting out gluten isn’t going to stop you from discovering another problem food. [12:25] The connection between gluten, leaky gut, and autoimmune disease [13:30] Safety Net can help you break down problem proteins like gluten. [14:20] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for the day. The perfect and easiest way to do this is with JJ’s All-In-One Protein Shakes! [15:30] Listener’s question: Which gluten-free breads can I use? [16:15] The best gluten-free products are the ones that don’t need to say “gluten-free.” [16:45] Be careful with dry carbs!   Mentioned in this episode: Why Eating Gluten-Free Is Healthy blog JJ’s podcast with Dr. Tom O’Bryan JJ’s podcast with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne on the Autoimmune Protocol JJ Virgin Safety Net JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake JJ Virgin Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin Microbiome Balance JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and women's health naturopathic doctor Dr. Jolene Brighten is an expert in hormonal birth control. She completes her 2-part series by revealing the effects that the pill can have on your brain, mood, and energy levels, plus how you can take back your health! Listen as Dr. Brighten explains how hormonal birth control can deplete certain nutrients and wreak havoc on your body, including the impact it can have on your gut microbiome, thyroid, and cortisol levels. Dr. Brighten also shares the lab tests you should be asking for if you're struggling with brain fog and fatigue, as well as the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. And be sure to grab Dr. Brighten's free guide on what to eat to optimize your hormones so you can get back on track and feel like yourself again!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Jolene Brighten’s free “What to Eat to Optimize Your Hormones” guide by going to JJVirgin.com/pbcs.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Hormonal birth control can deplete certain nutrients, including CoQ10. If you don’t have enough CoQ10, your body can’t make energy. If you’re struggling with brain fog and fatigue, certain lab tests can be helpful. These include a comprehensive thyroid panel, including thyroid antibodies, as well as testing cortisol, DHEA-sulfate, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels. A recent study done on 1 million women found that women were more likely to be diagnosed with depression after being on hormonal birth control. Results showed that women who used combination birth control pills were 23% more likely to be prescribed antidepressants.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:56] Introduction to today’s topic [2:40] Dr. Jolene Brighten’s career briefing [4:35] Listener shout-out [7:00] Is brain fog a new thing? [7:42] Hormonal birth control depletes CoQ10. [8:00] The impact of hormonal birth control on thyroid and cortisol levels. [8:30] The connection between hormonal birth control, insulin resistance, and dementia [9:55] There are steps you can take to banish brain fog and feel like yourself again.  [11:37] Hormonal birth control can disrupt your gut microbiome and trigger leaky gut. [12:50] If you're struggling with fatigue and brain fog, it's important to get your thyroid function tested. [14:30] The different types of cortisol testing [15:40] Other lab tests that Dr. Brighten recommends: DHEA-sulfate, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels [17:05] Direct-to-consumer lab testing [17:30] Why it’s key to take your health into your own hands [22:56] The effects that hormonal birth control can have on your mood [21:03] Hormonal birth control has been shown to raise levels of C-reactive protein. [25:07] What’s the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones? [27:17] Bioidentical hormones act with your body. [28:45] The role of testosterone in women [29:46] DHEA is an anti-aging hormone. [32:02] What’s included in Dr. Brighten’s free guide [34:01] Want a better quality of sleep while also calming your brain? Try JJ’s Sleep Candy! [34:25] Listener’s question: I feel like I eat healthy, but I still have higher blood sugar levels. What can I do? [36:50] The trifecta for blood sugar balance is protein, fiber, and healthy fats. [37:50] How stress can affect your blood sugar levels   Mentioned in this episode: Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body, and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill, by Jolene Brighten Institute for Functional Medicine - Find a Practitioner Julva Cream by Dr. Anna Cabeca Lab testing through Dr. Alan and Amy Beth Hopkins JJ Virgin Sleep Candy You Are Stronger Than You Think Blood Sugar 101: JJ’s podcast with Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jolene Brighten is an author, speaker, and women's health naturopathic doctor. In the first of her two-part series on hormonal birth control, Dr. Brighten talks with JJ about the harmful consequences of the birth control pill and what you can do to turn your health around! Listen as Dr. Brighten shares why hormonal birth control is often prescribed to manage symptoms and how it can actually end up making things worse. Dr. Brighten also explains how the pill can contribute to weight gain, as well as the issues with hormonal birth control in perimenopausal women, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Plus, Dr. Brighten reveals the top foods you should be adding to your diet to detox from the birth control pill and start feeling better again. And don’t forget to subscribe to the JJ Virgin Lifestyle Show so you can find out when the next episode in the series drops!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Jolene Brighten’s free Detox Diet Quickstart Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/pbcs.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Hormonal birth control shuts down your brain’s ability to communicate to your ovaries. It should come as no surprise that a drug as powerful as that can have long-term effects! More than 60% of women are using hormonal birth control to manage symptoms. While hormonal birth control is often prescribed as a quick-fix, it can result in serious consequences and doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. When you’re coming off of birth control, it’s key to care for your liver! Eating broccoli sprouts is a great way to do that since broccoli sprouts are very high in the constituents that help your liver detoxify all of your hormones.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:55] Introduction to today’s topic [3:03] Dr. Jolene Brighten’s career briefing [5:00] Listener shout-out [6:34] How Dr. Brighten became an expert in issues related to hormonal birth control [8:30] 97% to 99% of women have used hormonal birth control at some point in their lives. [9:20] Birth control pills are often prescribed for non-contraceptive reasons. [11.02] The connection between hormonal birth control and weight gain [12:50] Hormonal birth control is known to deplete nutrients that your mitochondria need. [14:15] Issues with hormonal birth control in perimenopausal women [18:04] Reversing the side effects of the birth control pill  [20:12] How to jumpstart detoxification [21:29] Why you should eat broccoli sprouts and how to enjoy them [23:52] The importance of high-quality protein [25:47] Eat plenty of fiber to feed your gut microbiome. [27:10] If you’re over 35 or under stress, you might not be digesting protein well. Try Metabolic Digestive Balance! [28:01] Listener’s question: When I add a bunch of fiber to my diet, I don’t feel well. What should I do? [29:30] It’s key to add fiber to your diet diet over time, not overnight! [31:02] Microbiome Balance contains 7 strains of probiotics and 4 strains of prebiotics.   Mentioned in this episode: Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body, and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill, by Jolene Brighten Vital Choice Metabolic Digestive Balance Dark Chocolate Coconut Fiber Bar Extra Fiber Microbiome Balance You Are Stronger Than You Think JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices